Author: Cynthia

Locking Credit Accounts

by Cynthia, posted in Taking Care of Business

Cynthia

Malicious access to personal data seems to flow in waves.  Recently we have seen yet another series of hacking (or more accurately named cracking) events. Unfortunately, unauthorized access is one of the challenges of our Internet-based society.  Most people are concerned about this type of activity when personal data is acquired.

Every element of information about ourselves and our lives is “out there” – and once posted your personal story will be on a server in perpetuity. The only safe electronic data, is stored on a computer that is turned off, unplugged, and disconnected from the Internet. The reality is that unauthorized access is a fact of digital life.

Some of the major financial institutions have recently experienced cyber attacks. Not long ago, TIAA, a major retirement fund, was hacked, as have some credit reporting agencies. What is an individual to do?

While we cannot prevent hacking, we can take precautionary steps to safeguard our data.  For example, using anti-virus software on our computers and phones; ensuring we don’t click on any links we are not familiar with; never giving out personal information on the telephone, text messages, or email; and keep personal information only in trusted sites.

Financially, we can lock our credit accounts so that new accounts cannot be opened in our name with our identifying information, such as social security number, birthdate, address, and credit card or bank account numbers.  Locking accounts is easy.

An individual can lock his/her account at no charge but may need to create an access account.  This is different from a credit protection account which will cost a monthly fee. Credit protection accounts are beyond the scope of this post but may also be helpful. Credit protection accounts are available from several companies, in addition to the credit reporting agencies.

To lock your credit account, go to each of the three major credit reporting agencies websites. These agencies are Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.

From the Experian home page (Experian.com) scroll to Freeze or Unfreeze your Experian Credit File. You will need to “Create a free account.”

On the Transunion home page (https://transunion.com) scroll to click on Credit Freeze & Unfreeze, Get Started, then Add a Freeze.

On the Equifax site (https://equifax.com) scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on Place or Manage a Freeze, and click on Place a Security Freeze.

From there on each of the sites, follow the prompts. You may have to create an account on each, but you do not have to sign up for their security service.  You must freeze your account with each of the reporting agencies. Freezing your account on one site does not freeze your account on the others. Remember, also, that if you do freeze your account, no one can open new accounts with your PID (personal identifying data). To open a new bank account, credit card, or other credit account, you will need to unlock or unfreeze your accounts with the credit reporting agency your intended business uses.

All this sounds much more difficult than it is. You are just a few clicks away from protecting your data.

6-5-4-3-2-1 Grocery Shopping Tip

by Cynthia, posted in Reviews

Cynthia

Tik Tok is a platform for individuals and small groups to share expertise, experiences, and ideas in video form. People present challenges and those that catch on have a lot of activity – others commenting, trying the idea, or creating a similar but modified approach to the original post.

One such suggestion was by Chef Will Coleman. Chef Coleman presented a grocery shopping design in order to shop with intention. He believes subscribers will save money. He calls it the 6-5-4-3-2-1 method.  Using this approach, a shopper will purchase 6 vegetables, 5 fruits, 4 proteins, 3 carbs/starches, 2 sauces, and 1 item for oneself.

This is a clever idea and people on Tik Tok have embraced the challenge. Chef Coleman does not mention the excellent nutritional value to this approach but focusing on vegetables and fruits above protein is a healthy way to eat. In addition, people have become adept at discerning vegetables and fruits.

For example, some people are including peppers, eggplant, olives, squash, avocado, cucumber, beans and some nuts in the fruit category, as technically a fruit is an edible plant with seeds. Starches is another category that lends itself to interpretation and might include potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, and cereal.  In the protein category some are going for nuts and tofu in addition to or instead of poultry, beef, pork, and fish. When one thinks of food in this way, the variety is wide and the options endless.

Sauces could be prepared mayonnaise, catsup, or mustard or something more exciting such as a teriyaki sauce or pizza sauce. As for the 1 item for oneself, some people buy frozen pot stickers, ice cream, or supplement with additional pantry items. Possible combinations are up to an individual’s imagination.

The idea of the 6-5-4-3-2-1 method is admirable. However, to be useful and actually help save money, one must still shop judiciously. More importantly, one must have time and the creativity to cook. I have found the more I have cooked over the years, the more able I am to make a nice meal from ingredients I have on hand. But young professionals with budding careers and/or a small family may have more of a challenge.

For some, preparing a menu for the week and listing grocery items needed for that menu may ultimately save more money.  Individuals need to think through the options Chef Coleman presents. Maybe his method combined with a predetermined menu will help meal planning, meal preparation, and enjoying dinner time without overspending on groceries.

Recipes

by Cynthia, posted in Friends and Family

Cynthia

A friend sent me the most delightful recipe.  It was an easy but elegant appetizer designed for the winter holiday season but could easily be offered all year around. I was struck by not only the fact that she would take the time to mail something to me, but that she was aware of my delight in cooking.

This gesture reminded me of my early-married days. People would start chain letters with various reasons to participate. One such chain was the Recipe Share. I received a recipe in the mail, along with the letter that encouraged me to send one of my favorite recipes to the top five people on the list. I was to add my name to the bottom of the list, and if memory serves me, to send the “new” letter to five or ten of my friends. The idea was that eventually I would receive hundreds of recipes from people I may or may not know. The idea was fun. Yet, I never received additional recipes.

Those days of sharing recipes, clipping coupons, and taking cookies to the park to share with children of other mothers who were needing adult companionship have long since gone. Women entered the workforce, eliminating the ability to have “friend time” during the day. Fewer people cooked at home. Children attended day care or joined after school programs. Email replaced letters and cards.

Yet, now in my retirement, I find I delight in receiving a recipe in the mail. And I have time to whip it up and share with a friend. After all these years, women still enjoy sharing their love through their recipes.

Building Bones

by Cynthia, posted in Wellness

Just before retiring I decided I needed to have some baseline medical stats. Prior to that time I didn’t bother to go for an annual physical. For the most part, I am a very healthy 70-year-old. I rarely become ill with even a cold although I do suffer with allergies in the Spring. So one may imagine my surprise when I learned I have osteoporosis.

When my doctor recommended Fosamax I read about the side effects. To my dismay I learned that one of the side effects was bone loss in one’s jaw. In order to have dental work, you are supposed to quit taking the medication for a time period. Additionally, calcium and vitamin D supplements are recommended with the medication as long-term studies showed a 2% decrease in calcium in the first month.  Several more minor side effects are listed. I understand there is a risk in taking any medication. Being one of those people who shies away from pharmaceuticals, I began looking for alternative solutions.

My medical massage therapist recommended OsteoStrong. I gave it a try and love it! Focusing on the skeletal system, OsteoStrong uses four machines, each targeting a different area of the skeletal system.  A trainer works with each client to reach a target “weight” or pressure based on one’s personal needs. This wellness system is designed to improve bone density, balance, and overall strength.

Each week I attempt to beat my own record.  A graph is displayed while using each machine. The graph shows previous work, target goal, and peak.  I find it quite motivating to watch the graph climb as I push to do better each time. Some weeks are not as good, but that’s okay. And the trainer is super supportive and encouraging.  Not being big on exercise, I find this easy-to-use system to be a great option for me.

OsteoStrong centers are licensed to individuals in service areas and can be found around the world. Fans of Tony Robbins will learn that he and his wife are said to use the system.  The cost is comparable to many exercise facilities, but I recently learned that the Renew Active program that comes with some medical insurance includes OsteoStrong. I am looking forward to my one-year marker when I will take another Dexa scan to see if my bone density has improved. For now, I will continue to challenge myself and attend my OsteoStrong session each week.

Changing Insurance Companies

by Cynthia, posted in Uncategorized

Have you noticed the premiums for homeowner’s and automobile insurance continue to rise? The cost seemingly has become outrageous! As retirees with a fixed income and no opportunity to make extra on the side, something had to change! When one’s homeowner’s insurance premiums exceed a mortgage payment, one knows something is not right.

Beginning two or three months before the current policy is to expire will save some hassle in the long run. It was disappointing to learn that my current insurance company was unable to quote me a lower premium without significantly changing the coverage. Additionally, I was surprised to learn how long and how much effort it took to change companies. Even though I began early, everything was finalized just before my current policy was to expire.

My process was this. I went online to request quotes. I was surprised by the few responses I received. In my “research” I discovered one needs to be mindful of the sites you are using to request quotes. The safest choice is to go to actual insurance companies’ sites; not a generic “we will find you multiple quotes” sites, which often are scams.

Exploring options with the companies that responded, I was thrilled to learn my premium would be considerably less than what I was currently paying. Bundling homeowner’s with automobile and personal liability insurance saves money, also.

Importantly, I did my homework before making a final decision. The reviews on the new company were very positive, including a high rating with J.D. Powers.

I did learn from this experience, that even though it is not time to renew, one can still change companies. Once your new insurance is finalized and in place, remember to cancel the old. They are required to refund any prepaid yet unused premiums.

I am relieved to have this activity behind me … at least for another year. Staying on top of each and all expenditures helps a retired woman sleep better at night.

I Didn’t Know I Needed Girlfriends

by Cynthia, posted in Friends and Family

Cynthia

Several years ago I realized I spent most of my time working and did not have friends I could call upon in my “off” time. I had always heard, “to have friends, you have to be a friend.” As is customary, I took up the charge.

I made a list of women whom I had met at chamber of Commerce meetings, Rotary, and other such organizations and sent invitations to twenty women, asking if they would be willing to spend one evening a month with me and a group of others for one year. Ten responded.  I set a theme and a date and launched my goddess group.

The night before the first gathering I became nervous. Many of these women had beautiful homes, husbands, were visible in the community, and were involved in a lot of activities.  Was I an equal? Self-doubt kicked in. Yet, it was too late to back out.  The evening arrived. I welcomed the ladies with heavy hor d’oeuvres, wine, and a non-alcoholic option. We played a game I found at the Bullseye Boutique (Target) called Go Goddess! The game, as many others, encourages each player to answer questions, allowing the group to get to know one another. The night was a huge success!

Everyone gone, I was wound up and very excited, pleased that evening went so well. Beyond that I was extremely grateful that these women came and each said she looked forward to the next month.  I sat down and wrote each woman a personal note, indicating why I had invited her, what I admired about her, and thanking her for joining the group of girlfriends.

Fast forward several year. Last week I had coffee with one of those lovely ladies. Well into her seventies, she is still a practicing attorney.  She mentioned how delightful “the goddess group” was and suggested I pull together the group for a reunion. She said she never knew how much she needed female friends. She shared the note I had written was especially meaningful to her and she had carried it in her purse for years.

We simply never know the impact we make on others – both positive and negative. Yet one thing is certain. If we want to have friends, we must make the effort to be a friend.

Smoothie Recipes

by Cynthia, posted in Reviews

Cynthia

Smoothies and smoothie bowls are taking center stage in the health and wellness specter. Smoothies incorporate multiple servings of fruits and/or vegetables in one serving as they reduce the ingredients nearly to liquid form. Having a smoothie is a satisfying way to ensure you get your daily dose.

Last year, I gave my aunt a smoothie basket for her birthday. Included were two books and the alternate ingredients needed for the recipes. The two books, The Art of the Smoothie Bowl by Nicole Gaffney, and Healthy Smoothie Recipe Book by Jennifer Koslo, appeared to be colorful and easy to follow. Of course as I do whenever I buy a cookbook for someone else, I bought myself copies so I could scrutinize the recipes.

Perusing each book, I made an ingredient list by category – pantry, fresh, frozen, nuts-seeds-spices, toppings, juices, milks, refrigerator. My purpose was to discover which ingredients are used only once and which are used multiple times. My aunt, being a smoothie novice, may not have all the ingredients in her pantry. Items such as blue spirulina, psyllium husk, bee pollen, and maca powder probably are not everyday staples in many kitchens.

Of the two recipe books, I found the Art of the Smoothie Bowl to lean more towards the occasional smoothie chef due to the ingredients included. Pictures are included for each recipe with suggestions for toppings. Most of the recipes include ingredients you are likely to have on hand.

Healthy Smoothie Recipe Book provides mix and match smoothie recipes categorized by the health issue the recipe supports. Issues such as detox and cleanse; inflammation fighters; weight loss and diabetes; and more. The author provides ten reasons smoothies support good health and an ingredient list to “spice things up”. She provides a mix-and-match flavors and texture chart to help you try out your creative side. While this book does not include pictures of the actual smoothies, Koslo does include a color swatch that indicates the primary benefit of the recipe – high protein, high fiber, meal replacement, veggie lover, and others.

Using both books as the foundation for my smoothie basket, I bought the unique items and separated them into small jars and labeled each appropriately. Because some of the ingredients can be quite expensive and only a teaspoon or tablespoon is used in a recipe, I thought sharing the items among family members made sense. The basket was quite full of goodies with a few extras like reusable straws, bowls, glasses, and spoons. A healthy and fun gift for someone who has almost everything!

Meanwhile, I am having fun trying new smoothies and smoothie bowls using the recipes in these books. Many books are available which have equally delicious options. Smoothies and smoothie bowls are easy ways to pack a lot of nutrition into a small space! They are delicious, nutritious, and make you feel ambitious (or so the saying goes!). Enjoy!

At Her Pace

by Cynthia, posted in Friends and Family

Cynthia

An imperative to providing the right level of care for one’s loved one – mom, in this case – is to understand where she is and what drives her. At times I want to blurt “it’s not always about you,” but in reality, it is. It is always about the person for whom you are caring.

My mother has always been a narcissistic extrovert. She loves being the center of attention wherever she goes. And she always wants to go.  Yet as her ailment progresses, she finds it more and more difficult to do and to enjoy the things she loves.

We were invited to my aunt’s home for lunch. Prior to leaving I had a webinar. I ensured mom was completely dressed and ready to go, except for putting on shoes. We wait until the last minute to put on shoes as her feet swell. I reminded her to keep her feet up in her recliner and I would help her put on her shoes just prior to leaving.

After the webinar I went to help her. She was completely worn out … from attempting to put on socks and her shoes. Finally, she got her shoes on without socks. She was so tired she wasn’t certain she would make it to the car. Still, she wanted to go. So we went.

We had a lovely lunch at my aunt’s. I signaled to my aunt that I needed to take mom home, but my aunt had made a beautiful coconut cream pie and insisted we have dessert before we leave.  Mom graciously ate the dessert. Then we hurried off, expressing our apologies.

Once home, mom immediately plopped into her chair, barely able to move. She caught her breath and said, “I just get too tired.  I want to go, but it makes me exhausted.” After helping her into bed, I pondered, “how could I have made this easier for her?”

The answer. I cannot. The best I can do is allow her to operate at her own pace.

Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont

by Cynthia, posted in Reviews

Cynthia

Every night after the news and Wheel of Fortune, I seek out a movie to watch with my 94-year-old mother who has a mild case of dementia, congestive heart failure, and COPD. After six years of entertaining my mother as she slowly declines, it is difficult to find a movie that is simple enough for her to understand, devoid of the f-bomb in every sentence, and doesn’t cause nightmares from violence.

Recently I came across a delightful film based on a novel by Elizabeth Taylor – her 11th novel, actually, which was written in 1971. The movie perfectly captures the feelings of many of us as we age.

Mrs. Palfrey is a gentle woman who has a snippy daughter and a grandson who makes no extra effort to see her. She has rented a room in the Claremont Hotel, which has become an independent living establishment for older adults. They gather at mealtime in the dining room, although each resident sits at his or her assigned table. The movie is sadly humorous.

One day Mrs. Palfrey is out walking when it begins to rain. She picks up the pace, only to trip on the sidewalk and fall. A young man, Ludovic, happens to see her take the tumble and runs to her rescue, ushering her into his borrowed apartment for a cup of tea. Ludovic and Mrs. P become fast friends. They adopt one another in a grandmother/grandson type of relationship.

The flick is simply a sweet comedy drama on the surface. However, underlying messages arise as one delves into the characters and the plot. Do we retain or develop a sense of pride as we age? If we feel rejected by family, how do we deal with the hole in our hearts? Why does Mrs. Palfrey need to develop a relationship with a pseudo grandson? Why does Ludovic enjoy time with an old woman? What is the film telling us about aging and familial relationships?

In an effort not to spoil the ending, I encourage you to take time to view the film. Cuddle up with a soft blanket, a cup of Earl Grey, and a tea biscuit. Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont may strike you with varying emotions and leave you with thoughts to explore. Prime members can view the movie at no extra charge.

Caring Expressions

by Cynthia, posted in Friends and Family

Cynthia

A few months ago my brother, my soulmate, passed away.  I was devastated. I could not imagine life without my big brother, to whom I looked up. Over the months before his passing I took my turn at caring for him to give his wife a break. He became frustrated and agitated at the loss of his independence. The days and nights ran together for him, his wife and for me. At the same time I was caring for my mother who also was a hospice patient and my granddaughter who had multiple issues and eventually surgery the week before my brother passed.  During this time sleep evaded me. My energy dropped. Yet, as we women often do, I pressed on.

Throughout the months of caregiving and the days after he passed, friends checked in to see how I was coping. Often just a quick phone call or a short text of “thinking of you” with a heart emoji was just what I needed to know my heart was enfolded in their love.

My brother was very spiritual and patriotic, but not religious. In planning for my brother’s Celebration of Life my nieces, sister, sister-in-love, and I decided to serve foods he enjoyed. Because I frequently made pies for him, I volunteered to make 200 mini blueberry pies for the “party.”

Friends and family gathered one Saturday morning to help. How comforting to be surrounded by friends and family during this time of intense grief. I had an opportunity to share some memories of my dear brother.

Having always valued my friendships, I have an even greater appreciation for the “little things” one can do to support a friend in grief. A card, a note, a smile, an ear. Never think your small expression of caring goes unnoticed.  It means the world, even if the recipient cannot respond at the time.